On eve of elections in Pakistan, RSF calls for clear safeguards for right to information

Major Pakistani political parties have responded to appeals by press freedom organizations by including specific commitments to protect journalists in their election manifestos. These pledges range from overhauling restrictive cyber laws to establishing independent regulatory bodies and safety commissions aimed at ending the culture of impunity for crimes against media personnel. The varying proposals highlight a growing, albeit inconsistent, political recognition of the need to safeguard press rights and ensure reliable information access. While some parties offer comprehensive legislative safeguards, others make no mention of media protection, reflecting diverging approaches to democratic accountability and the rule of law within the country’s political landscape. This development is crucial for the open data community as it underscores the necessity of transparent, safe, and unrestricted information flow for robust democratic processes. Without genuine press freedom, the quality and availability of public data remain compromised, making these political commitments vital for fostering an environment where open data can thrive and serve the public interest effectively.

Source: rsf.org
Published on 2024-02-08

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